theonomy

[ thee-on-uh-mee ]

noun

1. the state of an individual or society that regards its own nature and norms as being in accord with the divine nature.

theonomy

/ θɪˈɒnəmɪ /

noun

1. the state of being governed by God

Other Words From

• the·ono·mous adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of theonomy¹

1885–90; < German Theonomie; theo-, -nomy

Example Sentences

Theonomy: A system of government in which civil government is ruled under religious law.

From Salon

Its vision is rooted in Calvinist theonomy and the idea that America is, or should be, a Christian nation, and provides a blueprint for the reconstruction of society after secular government is undermined.

From Salon

They tend to be more circumspect, often obfuscating their true intentions and avoiding the word "theocracy" in favor of "theonomy," for example.

From Salon

"Mastriano's significance, alongside that of the N.A.R., is that he is attempting to create a theonomy — a system of enacting God's law on earth," Frederick Clarkson, a research analyst at Political Research Associates, told me.

From Salon

His views are not unusual; they are part and parcel of a strand of evangelical thought known under the label "theonomy."

From Salon